The Ocean County Decoy and Gunning Show is one of our favorite competitions to attend. This event was the first DockDogs event in which Brian and Cello competed in 2013, when we met Annie, Matt, and Bailey from The Little GSP! Not only is it very close to our home, but the GSP Rescue of NJ also sets up a table here – and they are one of just many REALLY cool vendors at this large festival. We especially love that we can compete, and still volunteer the pups as donation dogs in between their jumps! This was also an especially thrilling event, because Lager won First Place in Senior Division Big Air finals! Another exciting part of this event, is that a friend and fellow GSP Rescue of NJ volunteer, Jen C. , as well as Jenny’s sister Dana, both jumped Cello… AND got medals!
Lager and Jenny with Lager’s 1st Place winnings
GSP Rescue Volunteer, Jen
Jenny’s sister, Dana and Cello with their 2nd Place medal
LIMONCELLO:
Big Air:
21’9″ 22’3″
Finals: 22’5 22’2″ 4th Place Elite
Jen C and Cello
Dana and Cello
Extreme Vertical:
5’2″ 3rd Place Cadet
Speed Retrieve:
7.972 seconds 5th Place Turbo
**FIRST PLACE WARRIOR IRON DOG!
HOOCH:
Big Air:
23’3″ 20’11” 2nd Place Elite
22’0″ 21’9″
22’2″ 22’5″
Finals: 22′ 7″ 23’4″ Third Place Elite
LAGER:
Big Air:
16′ 19’0″ 2nd Place Senior
18’6″ 18’11” 2nd Place Senior
18’2″ 18’6″ 1st Place Senior
Finals: 19’8″ 19’5″ 1st Place Senior
Extreme Vertical:
5’10” 1st Place Cadet
We were extremely proud of all 3 of our pups! They earned several awesome ribbons and medals!
The Liver Killers were pretty exhausted after performing so well, and slept in a Pointer Pile the whole way home!
Cello’s best friend is Nemo, a 4 year old male Boykin Spaniel. Cello and Nemo have been buds since the first week they both came home with their humans! “Finding Nemo” was one of the best things that happened to Cello – as Nemo is the only dog Cello truly ever fully “accepted.” If you have ever seen these two together, you can really see just how alike they are – and just how much they truly enjoy each other. They have played, swam, had sleep-overs, camped, and of course dock-dived together!
Cello and Nemo lounging on the couch together:
Cello and Nemo “holding hands” while sleeping during their first sleep-over:
Nemo’s mom, Cindy, wrote a beautiful article on Nemo, which was published in the Boykin Spaniel Society Magazine, and included a mention of Cello.
The two pictures that were chosen for the magazine happen to be two pictures I took of Nemo and Cello at Nemo’s house.
The article is a wonderful read!
Although Nemo lives in our town, his mom, Cindy, has recently started a job in Michigan. Nemo and his parents travel back and forth from Michigan to NJ, and we are often away at dock diving events, so Cello and Nemo don’t get to see each other as often as they used to.
We wish we could gather more often, so we do try to get together whenever both families are home in NJ and have a free weekend!
***Some dogs do not do well with milk. We used regular milk, but if your dog does do well with regular milk, you can experiment with almond milk, coconut milk, or goat’s milk.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
2. Peel and slice the banana
3. Put the blueberries, banana, honey, and milk into a blender, and blend until smooth
4. Pour blueberry-banana-milk mixture into a medium bowl
5. Add rolled oats and rye flour, and stir until thoroughly combined
6. Pour/drop batter into a greased mini-muffin pan
7. Bake for 16 minutes.
Remove promptly from muffin pan and let muffins cool on a wire rack before serving.
As posted earlier, Cello is on a month-long wheat and chicken free diet to see if we can get her recurring ear infections under control. I recently found out that buckwheat flour is NOT considered a grain and is wheat and gluten free! It was quite interesting to find out that buckwheat is actually closely related to rhubarb! Cello enjoyed the pumpkin biscotti I had made her, so I decided to try another variety biscotti…
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ground bison (buffalo) (I used Whole Foods Market ground buffalo – their bison meet comes from buffalo who are free range, have no added antibiotics or growth hormones given to them, and have no animal byproducts in their feed)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used 365 Brand – found at Whole Foods Market – produced with no added hormones and made with milk from cows not treated with rBGH)
1 cup organic milk (I used Organic Valley-from cows not treated with rBGH)
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 cups organic buckwheat flour
3 slices of bacon
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Cook ground buffalo completely, set side.
Cook bacon until very well done, crush to bacon-bit size, set aside.
Combine baking powder and buckwheat flour, and stir until thoroughly mixed.
Add buffalo, cheese, and milk to the dry mixture, and knead with hands until all well combined.
Split dough in half, place onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet, and form 2 meat-loaf shaped loaves, about 1 inch high.
Press bacon pieces into the tops of the two loaves (be sure to firmly press them in or they will fall off while you are slicing the loaves).
Bake for 20 minutes…remove loaves from oven and allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes
Cut both loaves into slices.
Place slices cut-side up onto parchment paper lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the slices are dry and crunchy. Flip slices over, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the slices feel dry and crunchy (SEE NOTE BELOW).
Remove from oven and let slices cool on wire rack.
**NOTE: If your dog prefers softer treats, keep the second baking time around 10 minutes per side. If your dog prefers crunchier biscuits, increase the second baking time to 20-25 minutes per side, depending on how hard you would like the biscotti. You can also let the boscotti cool in the oven once you turn it off for an even harder treat.
YIELD: about 1-2 dozen, depending on how thick you cut your slices.
Store in refrigerator or freezer.
Dough formed into loaves with bacon pressed into top ready for first round of baking:
Loves cut into slices and ready for second bake time
If you can’t volunteer…donate or transport an animal to safety.
If you can’t donate or transport…educate, network, and cross-post.
Everyone can do something, large or small, to help save a life.
~Pit Crew, IL
I often hear people say they can’t help because “It’s too upsetting,” “I don’t have the money,” “I don’t have the time,” …etc, etc, etc…. well – you CAN help – in many different ways, regardless of your time, level of involvement, or financial situation. The purpose of this post is to show you that there are many different ways, and numerous levels of participation you can involve yourself in to help save an animal’s life – both with little time, or little/no money!
There are also many people out there who really want to help, but not sure what they can do to assist. There are plenty of different ways to help either at a local shelter – or a rescue organization. Remember…Just a few hours can make such a difference for an animal in need!
Contact a local shelter or rescue organization today, and ask how YOU can contribute…there are MANY ways to assist! Here are just some ways how you volunteer to help change the life of a homeless animal:
LOCAL SHELTERS:
Walking and exercising the dogs: Get some exercise yourself while giving a shelter dog a break from the kennel! Walking and playing with shelter dogs can be very rewarding, and provide much-needed exercise and stress-relief for shelter animals.
Cleaning kennels: Help keep kennel, walking areas, and play spaces tidy, and help wash kennel bedding to help shelter animals’ stay a more enjoyable one.
Donating food, toys, newspapers, old towels and sheets: Have you ever heard the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” Many items you may normally throw out could be used by shelter pets to provide stimulation, reduce stress, or provide bedding. There are MANY toys, household items, pet care supplies, medical supplies, and even office supplies that shelters could use. Contact the specific shelter to find out what items they could use most.
Donating money to the shelter: Most shelters even have an online donation option.
Planned Giving: Remember a favorite local shelter in your will. Making a lifetime gift by bequest is easy. Simply direct your attorney to include the shelter in your will when it is drafted. You can designate a specific dollar amount, or percentage of your estate. You can also bequeath specific assets to the shelter or organization.
Sponsoring a shelter animal: You can sponsor a specific shelter animal by donating monthly to that animal until they find their forever home. You can decide on the level of support to which you would like to commit, select a shelter pet to designate that support to, and receive updates on that supported shelter animal.
Memorial and tribute gifts: Honor a loved one – human or pet – by making a memorial or tribute donation. Most shelters and organizations will send a card to whomever you wish to honor with your donation.
Get involved at shelter events: Volunteer to help set up, break down, or run a table (sell merchandise, educate people who stop at the table by telling them about the organization, accept donations, etc) for the rescue at events.
Foster a pet to free up space at the shelter: Fostering a shelter pet frees up space in the shelter for other incoming animals. It is also a very rewarding experience, and a personal way to get involved in saving an animal’s life. Fostering increases the number of animals a shelter can save, and plays a huge part in the shelter’s ability to find homes for homeless animals. Most shelters will provide veterinary care, supplies, advice, and more while the animal is in your care. Contact a local shelter for specific details.
RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS:
Become a foster: Fostering is a critical part of an organization’s success. Fostering provides a loving a stable environment for an animal until they can be adopted into their forever home.
Transport animals to their foster or adoptive homes: Drive a “leg” or two of a transport! Most legs are only an hour or so long, and just an hour’s drive can help get a homeless animal closer to their foster or adoptive family.
Be a coordinator: Help coordinate or monitor transports, or help by working with shelters and other groups who need assistance with animals in need. Coordinators receive information about dogs in need, and work with the shelter and rescue to place dogs in foster homes.
Perform home visits/inspections for potential adopters: Visit homes of nearby potential adopters and evaluate the home, property, and family for rescues in order for decisions to be made for adoption approvals.
Make phone calls: Call potential adopters to review applications, and applicants’ veterinarians for background checks in order for decisions to be made for adoption approvals.
Evaluate a animal in a shelter: Visit a specific animal in a shelter to analyze it’s temperament, overall health, etc.
Get involved in a fundraising event for the organization: Volunteer to help set up, break down, or run a table (sell merchandise, educate people who stop at the table by telling them about the organization, accept donations) for the rescue at events. There are even more opportunities for fundraising, or participating in the event itself. Some events you can even bring your dog – have them participate as a donation dog!
Donate: Rescue organizations depend greatly on donations from supporters. Most rescues are all-volunteer non-profit organizations. Monies donated go directly to the care (spay, neuter/vaccines/heartworm testing, treatment, and preventative/and other general vetting of the animals in the program)… there are no offices, shelter, or paid staff to support.
Shop Online and at Sites that Support the Organization: Many rescues now have sites that will donate a portion of sales to the rescue. It does not cost you any additional money, and really adds up for the rescue organization.
Buy rescue merchandise: Show off your love of animals and your passion of saving animals lives by buying merchandise from a rescue. Rescues often sell hats, shirts, magnets, and more. Proceeds will help fund your favorite rescue or organization.
Educate: Get the word out of animal-related events happening in your area. Rescues always need volunteers to help spread the word about the work they do. Often rescues have brochures and other materials available to help publicize their organization and the work they do.
I’m sure there are even more ways to assist a local shelter or a rescue organization – contact one today to see how YOU can help save the lives of animals!
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“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever”
…Well, ok, not the ACTUAL pointer sisters, …more like “sistas-from-otha-mistas!” 😉
Another Pointer Rescue, Org (PRO) transport led us to meet Mollie and Emmie, two beautiful and sweet female English Pointers.
We picked up the two gals from another PRO volunteer, Kirk. He told us how well-behaved the two ladies were on his drive!
Emmie is already adopted, and this transport was taking Emmie to her forever home! She was an absolute joy to ride with in the car, and was so loving the entire ride! Her forever family is very lucky to be adding Emmie into their lives!
Meet Emmie:
“Sista” number 2, Mollie, was fresh out of rescue and on her way to her foster home. Once Mollie is settled in with her foster family, she will be available for adoption through PRO. Mollie was also quite the sweetheart – full of love and affection!
Meet Mollie:
It truly amazes me with each transport we do – and each rescue dog we meet – -that even though these gentle, innocent beings have been wronged – often abandoned or abused – or both, they still want nothing but to be loved by humans, and will still also show so much affection and love toward humans, even after all that they have been through… Dogs are truly astonishing creatures.
There are many different ways to help either at a local shelter – or a rescue organization. Just a few hours can make such a difference for a dog in need! Want to assist, but not sure how? Click HERE !
People who say “Money can’t buy you happiness” have never paid an adoption fee 🙂 …Don’t shop adopt!
Rescue mission #2… 4 dogs in Kentucky in awful situations…
This past Saturday Brian and I took another road trip to pick up one of 4 German Shorthaired Pointers found abandoned in Kentucky.
The first, and eldest, “Eve” (Christmas Eve). Eve was found wandering, and thought to be a discarded puppy-mill dog. It was very obvious that she had been bred over and over again. Another volunteer from the GSP Rescue of NJ, Ally, kindly adopted this loving senior (assumed to be about 9 years old).
“The Three Reindeer”, “Prancer, Vixen, and Blitzen” , are three 1 year old litter mates, also abandoned in Kentucky. They were transported as well. Prancer and Vixen were picked up and being fostered by two other rescue volunteers, and we picked up Blitzen to foster.
Prancer has already been matched up with an approved adopter, has been renamed Belle, and will be moving into her new forever home!
Vixen is at her foster home and awaiting a forever home.
Blitzen (now referred to as Whiskey) came home with us, and will stay with us until tomorrow morning, when I will drive him to another volunteer’s home to be fostered closer to where the approved potential adopters they have for him reside. This will make it easier for meet-and-greets to be sure that Whiskey is matched up with the right family.
Whiskey has been such a joy to foster these few days. Despite his past, he is an affectionate boy who enjoys to give and receive love! He is just adorable!
Here are the “Three Reindeer” at our pick-up spot:
Here is Whiskey:
Both Vixen and Whiskey need some basic training, but are two beautiful and affectionate German Shorthaired Pointers. They are now in their foster homes, and up for adoption through the GSP Rescue of NJ. Pray that these wonderful dogs find their forever homes quickly!!
Thinking of a GSP? Think rescue! The National GSP Rescue lists regional GSP rescue groups across the United States and Canada. If you are interested in adoption, volunteering, or would like information on how to surrender your dog to rescue (Please do not surrender GSPs to a shelter or abandon them!!!!), please contact the group that covers your state or region. If there is no contact listed for your state, you can email the National GSP Rescue at rescue@gspca.org .
A GSP rescue will help match you up with the perfect GSP for your family!
UPDATE: ALL DOGS IN THIS POST HAVE BEEN ADOPTED!! YAY!
German Shorthaired Pointers are often discarded, given up, abandoned, and returned due to their high energy level and strong hunting drive. Some are discarded by hunters because they won’t hunt, or they may be “gun-shy.” We have fallen in love with this sometimes misunderstood breed. ..So…Cello, Brian, and I have been volunteering for the GSP Rescue of NJ. We have made phone calls to vets for background checks and references, visited GSPs in shelters to evaluate them and offer the help of the GSP rescue, called potential adopters for initial screening, and to go over their application, and have done home inspections for potential adopters. Cello has even volunteered as a donation dog, wearing a donation vest and “working the crowd” with her cuteness at events such as the Ocean County Gunning and Decoy Show in Tuckerton, NJ. We recently decided we could help out a bit more…so we signed up to pick up and/or transport GSPs to their foster homes, and to foster a dog if needed. This past weekend, we were able to help two GSPs who were on the “urgent” list in Kentucky …they were scheduled to be euthanized. Here is the story of the rescue of Penny and Perry…
Meet Penny and Perry…
About two weeks ago, A regional GSP rescue group in the Kentucky area contacted the GSP Rescue of NJ about Penny and Perry because the rescue’s foster homes were full, and they would not have been able to save Penny and Perry from a kill shelter in Kentucky. Penny and Perry were found roaming in Perryville Battlefield State Park, in Perryville, Kentucky.
Penny and Perry were brought to a kill-shelter, and held for the required amount of days to see if their owners would come forward. No one claimed them after the hold-period was over, and they were placed on the euthanization list. We received an email from the GSP Rescue of NJ to see if anyone could foster these two sweethearts, or to help pick them up from transport. Two members quickly offered to foster. When I had seen the email, no one had responded to do the pick up and transporting, so Brian and I volunteered to do this. Just after the regional GSP Rescue group in the Kentucky area contacted the GSP Rescue of NJ, a woman in Kentucky came in to the shelter and adopted both Perry and Penny.
…But not even two days later, the woman returned Penny and Perry to the kill shelter because they were “too hyper.” The regional GSP rescue in the Kentucky area got back in touch with the GSP Rescue of NJ, and foster homes in NJ and pick-up and transport was again set.
Early this past Saturday morning, Brian and I took an 1hr and 45 minute road trip to pick Penny and Perry up from their Kentucky transport. I cried as soon as I saw them – – both were skin and bones, and severely dehydrated..but as Brian brought each one out of their crate to put a slip-lead on them, each dog stood up on their hind legs, put their front paws up to Brian’s chest, and kissed Brian with appreciation. These two dogs were so sweet loving!! It was heart-wrenching to me that no one claimed them in the first place, that they were returned to a kill-shelter by someone who didn’t understand the breed – -and that these two loving dogs were close to being euthanized!
Brian and I had no crates to transport them with , so I rode in the back of our truck with Penny and Perry…for an hour and 45 minutes, these dogs smothered me in love and puppy kisses. Here are some pictures from the ride home… and then when Perry got to our house.
We arrived back to our house with Penny and Perry, and walked them around the yard and provided plenty of water for them both. Penny’s foster family picked her up right away (I bawled my eyes out, as I had already became attached to these two wonderful dogs!!) Perry’s foster parents could not pick him up until Sunday, so Cello was going to have her first sleep-over!
We bathed Perry, gave him plenty of access to water, and fed him. Although extremely affectionate, Perry knew no basic commands, and did not have leash or house manners. Brian took Perry out on the street in front of our house, and I brought Cello out to meet Perry… both Cello and Perry were very happy to see each other! We walked them together down the street, and then back to our yard. When we were back inside our fenced-in yard, we let Cello off her leash…but Perry had already tried to leap our fence while on his leash, so we were unable to let him wander the yard off-lead. Luckily we had beautiful weather and were able to spend the day and most of the night outdoors. (Perry was not house trained, and had a bad case of diarrhea!) While outside, Perry saw other dogs, people, bikes, and cars go by our yard, and he did not once bark – he was such a good boy!! My aunt and uncle came to visit, and Perry greeted them gently, without jumping, barking, or being rough. Perry’s tail did not stop wagging from the time we picked him up from transport, until we saw him leave with his foster family!!
Perry
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Perry finally settled down and took a nap out by the lake!
When we came inside, Perry got a visit from my mom, who brought him over some nice treats to enjoy.
Perry immediately became attached to Brian – and became upset if Brian was out of his sight. …So Brain loaded up a crate with nice soft fluffy quilts and blankets, and put the crate right in front of our couch. Brian slept on the couch so that Perry would not be upset or alone. Perry did very well throughout the night. He was very content sleeping next to Brian, and whimpered each time he was about to have an accident (Brian ran him outside about 6 times that night due to his loose bowl movements). Overall, Perry did great!
In the above picture, check out the bottom quilt…my mom had given us some quilts and blankets she was going to get rid of so that we had some bedding for Perry. One of the quilts she gave us was mine as a kid (and has to be over 35 years old at this point!!) It’s a Life Savers candy quilt… but how cool/coincidental is that?!?!… LIFE SAVERS, and we are using it to help this GSP who would have lost his life if it wasn’t for the volunteers at several GSP rescues! I thought the Life Savers quilt was just too cool!
Cello was a polite hostess, and Perry was a great house guest. Perry’s foster family came to pick him up Sunday morning (more tears and sobbing on my part…!)
Both Penny and Perry need some basic training, but are two beautiful and affectionate German Shorthaired Pointers, and are now in their foster homes and up for adoption through the GSP Rescue of NJ. Penny has been renamed Casey by her foster family, and Perry is now referred to as Chester (short for Winchester) by his foster family. Pray that these wonderful dogs find their forever homes quickly!!
Thinking of a GSP? Think rescue! The National GSP Rescue lists regional GSP rescue groups across the United States and Canada. If you are interested in adoption, volunteering, or would like information on how to surrender your dog to rescue (Please do not surrender GSPs to a shelter or abandon them!!!!), please contact the group that covers your state or region. If there is no contact listed for your state, you can email the National GSP Rescue at rescue@gspca.org .
A GSP rescue will help match you up with the perfect GSP for your family!
UPDATE: BOTH PENNY AND PERRY HAVE BEEN ADOPTED!! YAY!
UPDATE ON “PERRY” (NOW CHESTER) on 02/20/2014: Here are some pictures of a very happy and healthy Chester at his forever home sent to me by his loving family!
3 cups organic garbanzo bean flour (plus more – see note)
1/2 cup nonfat powdered milk
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup organic beef stock/broth, chicken stock, or vegetable stock (see note)
2 large organic, free range eggs
2 tsp red, all natural food coloring (see tips)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1 large organic, free range egg, whites only (for an egg wash)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Whisk together the flour, powdered milk and baking powder.
Pour beef stock in small bowl, and whisk the eggs into stock.
Form a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients.
Stir until thoroughly combined.
Knead the dough for about two minutes.
Add more flour until the dough is no longer sticky (dough will be VERY sticky and hard to work with. Keep adding flour until dough is reasonable to work with.
Divide the dough in half.
Form a well in one of the halves of dough.
Add the food coloring and peppermint flavoring to the one half of dough.
Wearing food safe gloves, knead the coloring and flavoring throughout the dough.
Cool the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350° F
Scoop a tablespoon of each half of dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
Gently roll each ball into a “worm” shape, letting the dough rest when needed. Each strip should be about 5 inches long.
Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
Twist one plain strip with a red strip, and curl the end to shape a candy cane.
Place on the baking sheet.
Whisk the extra egg (whites only) in a small bowl.
Using a pastry brush, thoroughly coat each candy cane with the egg wash.
Bake for 10-15 minutes. (let cool in oven for crunchier treat)
Cool completely on a wire rack.
NOTES:
Garbanzo bean flour: Although a great alternative to grain-based flour, this flour is SUPER sticky and can be difficult to work with. Keep adding flour until dough is at a consistency you are comfortable working with. Allowing the dough to cool in freezer will help with handling this sticky dough.
Broth/Stock: No matter which stock you choose (Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable), be sure to check that it does NOT contain any form of onion, or onion powder
Food Coloring: rather than use artificial coloring, I chose an all-natural vegetable base coloring made from beet juice (India Tree brand vegetable colorants). Beet powder is also another great alternative to artificial coloring.
Yield: will depend on how long/thick you make each “worm” when you are twisting the candy canes. My batch made 15 candy canes.
Storing: Remember, these treats do not have any preservatives, so they will need to be refrigerated, or frozen for use at a later time. These canine candy canes will keep fresh for approximately two weeks in the refrigerator, or for about 6 months in the freezer.
From time to time, people tell me, “lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or “that’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for “just a dog.”
Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.” Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phrases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”
“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure and unbridled joy.
“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.
Because of “just a dog,” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog,” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a woman.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog,” just smile–because they “just don’t understand.”
I have a Smart-Board in my classroom. The projected background photo is always the latest-and-greatest adventure of Cello. The students enjoy watching for the picture to change, and always ask about Cello and her great adventures. After one of Cello’s dock diving events, I had set a picture of her jumping off the dock as my background photo. The kids were so intrigued with the idea of Dock Diving, the topic became a part of our daily conversations before and after class…so when it came time to teach the skill of creating and interpreting a line graph, I thought, “Why not incorporate something they are really interested in into the lesson for Line Graphs?”
During the lessons of line graphs, we talked about Cello and her dock diving, and watched videos of her jumping. The kids could not get enough! We created a huge line graph on our bulletin board, and the students learned to graph points as they recorded Cello’s dock diving results from her past 3 events on our big bulletin board line graph. To show the students just how long she was jumping, we used a measuring tape, and measured from one end of the classroom to the length of her longest personal-best jump to date ( 22′ 7″ ). The students were shocked, and then became very curious how far they could jump…hmmm…good idea!
The students made predictions about their jumps, then we took a trip outside to the track next Math period. We measured 40 feet of running space (the same distance Cello has to gather up her speed on the dock) to the sand pit area of the long-jump. Our principal came outside with us to be the official judge of the students’ jumping distances. The students ran as fast as they could for 40 feet, then jumped with all their might into the sand pit. We had so much fun that day! I recorded all the jumps of the students, and took pictures of them jumping, as the principal called out their scores. The next day we took their jumping results and made computer-generated line graphs using Microsoft Excel, displaying the student’s jump distances. They students were able to personalize them with color and background pictures of themselves.
After the computerized line graphs were complete, I held an Awards Ceremony in class. The principal called the names of the students, and shook each student’s hand as he presented them with participation certificates, and pinned them with 1st, 2nd 3rd, and so-on ribbons as well. We had ceremonial music playing in the background, thanks to my friend and co-worker, Grace, who pulled up the Graduation Song on her iPad! The students were so excited about their awards, and were glowing with pride as everyone clapped for each student as they received their ribbon! We took lots of pictures of both the students jumping, as well as the ceremony, and added them to our Line Graph Bulletin Board.
After all was said and done, one of the classes asked if I could bring Cello in to school so they could meet her. I shrugged-off the idea, and told them it was not possible…but they weren’t convinced. They took it upon themselves to go to the principal during their lunch period, and asked for permission…and he was so impressed with the effort they had put into the lesson, that he granted it! They came to class after lunch that day screaming with excitement about the principal saying “YES!” I sent permission slips home to parents, and Cello’s first day at school was planned!
Today, Brian followed me to school with Cello in his car, and when the students arrived to school, they met me at my class to go as a group to to meet Cello! The students got to spend about 20 minutes getting to know Cello, and asking questions. They gave Cello treats, made her do her “tricks,” and gave her lots of hugs and pets. In return, the students got lots of puppy kisses and tail wagging from Cello!
The principal also made a “deal” with the students of my math class… if they meet their homework goal, Cello will be permitted to attend their math class for one period as a “guest-student” as they do their class-work!
Here is Cello this morning waiting by the door with her school bag, ready for her first day of school!
I have so many wonderful pictures of the students engaged in this lesson, the bulletin board, students jumping, student generated line graphs, and the meet-and-greet, but am unable to post them due to the students visibility in the photos. You’ll have to trust me on this one- – it was a fun lesson that students could not get enough of…and so cool to have Cello at school with me!
Just a few days ago, on Thanksgiving, I began a running challenge that I accepted from fellow WordPress blogger and Delmarva Dock Dogs dock diving friend, Annie. This challenge is Holiday Streak! I really needed something like this to get myself up and moving again!
Around the same time I accepted this challenge, I came across a really cool pin on Pinterest… It was about a site called PetsMove.org. This site encourages people and their dogs – of all ages and fitness levels – to get out and get moving. Their motto is “Get off your butt, workout with your mutt!” (Love it!) The site offers goals, prizes and and a supporting member community. The site is free, has no intense or intimidating guidelines, and is really neat! I decided I would register myself and Cello to help record our Holiday Streak efforts. I also submitted Cello’s picture and bio to be considered for a spot in their Featured Dogs slide show. I just found out Cello made the slide show!
Check Cello’s full bio out at http://petsmove.org/slide/cello/ …then register yourself and your dog, and “Get off your butt, workout with your mutt!”
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Cello is also featured on PetsMove.org’s Facebook page!
Cello has had recurring ear infections lately. It was suggested to us to try her on a grain-free diet for 30 days to see if her ear problem ceases. Her dog food is of very high quality, and is already grain free. However, all of the treats I was making her had whole-wheat flour as an ingredient …so – this is the first grain-free treat to be made in Cello’s Cucina!
We are going to go camping for Thanksgiving, so I decided to make these treats to bring on the trip for Cello… I chose Fall cookie cutters…a turkey, 2 different shaped leaves, an acorn, and a Squirrel (Cello’s favorite!)
Fall cookie cutters
Cello is licking her lips waiting for her treats to be done!
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 to 3 c. of organic garbanzo bean flour (SEE NOTE)
2 1/2 Tbsp of creamy organic peanut butter (unsweetened and no salt)
Be sure that the peanut butter you use doesn’t contain xylitol)
2 Tbsp pure natural organic honey
3/4 c. organic canned pumpkin (PURE pumpkin – NOT pumpkin pie filling)
DIRECTIONS:
1. preheat oven to 300 degrees F
2. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until completely combined
3. The dough will be very sticky – so generously flour everything – including your hands. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out the cookies.
4. Place cookies on a parchment paper-lined cookie tray, and bake the cookies for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. The cookies will
come out a pretty pumpkiny-brown! Let cool on a wire rack for soft treats, or turn oven off and let treats sit in oven for 1-2 hours or more if you want crunchier treats. I baked mine at night, so I just shut the oven off and left treats to cool overnight. In the morning I put some in the refrigerator, and some in the freezer to take on our camping trip.
Cookies can be stored in an air tight container in refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks – or in the freezer if you would like them to last a bit longer, or if you wanted to save them for a later date.
NOTE: have lots of extra garbanzo bean flour – the dough is REALLY sticky…so you will need to add flour to the dough, the cookie cutters, the roller, and the work surface (I used a glass cutting board – which worked the best with this sticky dough)
Made with healthy real pumpkin, these biscotti are yummy!
INGREDIENTS:
1 c. organic pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/4 c. organic honey
1/4 c. water
1/8 c. organic canola oil
1 organic egg, beaten
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 c. organic whole wheat flour (substitute buckwheat flour for grain-free option)
2 tsp organic ground cinnamon
**egg whites (SEE NOTE BELOW)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. In a large bowl, stir the pumpkin, honey, water, oil, egg, and vanilla
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cinnamon
4. Using a mixer, slowly combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, a little at a time
5. Knead the dough with your hand in the bowl until the dough forms a ball, and divide in to two equal parts
6. On a cookie tray sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, form each ball of dough in to a slightly rounded rectangle, about one
inch thick
7. Place loaves about 2 inches apart, and back for 35 minutes
10. Leave loaves on cookie tray, and place tray on a wire rack to let cool for 30 minutes. At the same time, LOWER the oven
temperature to 300 degrees F
11. Place the loaves on a cutting board, and slice into 1/2 inch slices
12. Place the slices, cut side down, back onto the cookie sheet
13. bake for 20 minutes. Turn slices over, and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until hard and crunchy
14. Let the biscotti cool on a wire rack until cooled completely.
Yield: Depending on how thick you cut the slices, you should yield about a dozen biscotti from each loaf.
Note: (OPTIONAL): using a pastry brush, apply an egg white-wash to loaves before baking the first time. This step will not change the taste of the biscotti, but it will take away any trace of flour, and give the biscotti a slight “shine.”
VERYexciting news…Cello won her first First Place Ribbon ever! She won a total of 1 Senior Division medal, and 2 in the Masters Division! She qualified for finals and won FIRST PLACE in the Masters Division Finals!!!!!! We were FLOORED! She won a big First Place ribbon, and gift basket, $50, and a $25 gift certificate to Cabela’s! WOOO HOOOOOOO!
We were very excited for this event! We were told at the last event (Decoy Show) that this is event has a big turn-out. We camped at Holiday Park Campground in Greensboro, MD. What a fun weekend we had! Although we did not get to see the “heart” of the Waterfowl festival, we got to visit St. Michael’s… and stopped at St. Michael’s Crab House for a celebratory beverage. Cello bellied-up to the bar and earned a free “drink” (water) from the bartender after giving lots of kisses! We also discovered a wonderful dog-friendly place called Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar (also in St. Michael’s)… where they had a special menu just for dogs! (Hammy’s Dog Menu!) We were able to sit outside in the heated patio area with Cello, where we enjoyed a fresh Pizza, and Cello delighted in her Beef Stew.
We learned several lessons at the last 2 events: These events are long – bring a chair! …and Cello has such a thin coat, that she was cold in between jumps. We met another GSP dock diving contestant at the Decoy show (Bailey)…and Bailey’s “mom,” Annie, introduced me to an awesome dog coat that Bailey wears. (By the way – Annie’s blog (the little GSP) also inspired me to start this blog for Cell0… thanks, Annie!!) We bought a whole “set-up” to camp out at by the dive pool, and purchased Cello a coat like Bailey’s from Trover Coats overseas! We were prepared for this event!
Brian is happy with our new set-up for dock diving events…and Cello is nice and toasty in her new “Bone Dry” coat made by Trover Coats! …much better than standing around all day!
This event had the long dock set up, and Cello jumped in 4 waves. Here are Cello’s results:
20’6″
18’7″
Third Place Masters Division Medal
19’10’
19’4″
First Place Senior Division Medal
20’6″
21’3″
First Place Masters Division Medal
22’3″
22’6″
First Place Masters Division Medal
FINALS RESULTS:
22’4″
20’1″
First Place Masters Division Finals! ribbon, gift basket, $50, and $25 Cabela’s gift certificate!
Photo courtesy of Brandi
Cello’s Grandparents, Jan and Jim, and Friends, Brandi, Stan, and Payton all were there to cheer Cello to victory…thanks, guys!
Cello walked the main street of the town of Northeast, MD. Store owners came out to give her treats, and a Basset Hound came running out to greet her from his dog house!
